A wave of condemnation has swept across the Indian political landscape following an incident at the Supreme Court on Monday, October 6, 2025, where a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai. The incident has been widely denounced as an attack on the judiciary and the soul of India.
According to reports, the 71-year-old lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, acted out of anger towards CJI Gavai's remarks during a hearing concerning the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex. Kishore reportedly shouted, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan)," as he was being restrained. Delhi Police sources stated that Kishore claimed he was "unhappy with the CJI's remarks". Following the incident, the Supreme Court registry declined to press charges, and Kishore was released by Delhi Police.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, strongly condemned the incident, calling it an "assault on the soul of India" and an attack on the country's judiciary. Kejriwal emphasized the significance of CJI Gavai's position, stating that it was an attack on a Dalit judge who reached the highest seat in the country through hard work and honesty. He further added that such actions and threats against the CJI on social media would not be tolerated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in the condemnation, stating that the "reprehensible" act had angered every Indian. He emphasized that there is no place for such acts in society and appreciated CJI Gavai's calm demeanor in the face of the situation, highlighting his commitment to justice and the Constitution.
The incident sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with leaders from various parties denouncing the act. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, decried it as a "direct attack on democracy".
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the act "shameful" and "mindless," reflecting the "hate, fanaticism, and bigotry" engulfing society. He added that it was an attempt to intimidate and humiliate a man who has broken social barriers to uphold the Constitution, while Sonia Gandhi stated that the nation must stand in solidarity with CJI Gavai.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja viewed the attack as a challenge to the entire judiciary, urging them to abide by the Constitution instead of the right-wing's code of conduct. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau demanded action against the lawyer and criticized the BJP leaders for promoting casteist and communal ideas.
CJI Gavai, unfazed by the commotion, urged lawyers to continue with the day's proceedings, stating, "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me". Court officials sought the CJI's instructions on how to proceed, to which he responded, "Just ignore," asking that the lawyer be warned and let go.
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing polarization and intolerance in Indian society, with many leaders calling for unity and condemnation of such acts that undermine the judiciary and the rule of law.
